Storm window



Dec 2 1947. v. F. EsPENscHn-:D 2,432,000

STORM WINDOW Fi1ed March 15, 1945 4 sheets-sheet 1 INVENI'OR v1 izan. RESPENSCHIED I BY y ATTO R N EYS DeC. 2, 1947. v. F. ESPENSCHIED STORM WINDOW Filed March 105, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 R O T N E V N D Ulm E H N C R .m O Eyw D. S A E F. IIL G m V Dec. .2, 1947. Vv. F. ESPENSCHIED v 2,432,000

STORM WINDOW Filed March l5, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 l\ A' 85j o 2| 27 ifA 8 2 1I :NvElfrroR VIRGIL E ESPENSCHIED G BY ATTORN EYS 4 Sheets-Sheret 4 var- t I a.

INVEHTO VIQGIL F. ESPENSCHIED ATTORNEYS V. F. ESPENSCHIED slToRM WINDOW Filed March l5, 1945 Dec. 2, 1947.

u. #Nall Patented Dec. 2, 1947 'UN-ETE!) STATES ZABLM PATENT OFFECE STORM WINDW Application March 15, 1945, Serial No. 582,932

(Cl. ,Z-55) 17 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in storm windows of the type which is designed to t in any of the standard window frames.

It is the object of the present invention to improve upon; existing designs of storm windows in order to eliminate the objectionable features found therein. The storm window illustrated and described. herein is designed to facilitate easy and simple installation and removal. One of the primary objections to the installation of modern storm. windows is that skilled carpenters have to be employed at substantial expense. The storm window illustrated herein may be installed by any householder for it is designed so that it canbe tted to any window frame of standard construction by merely nailing twostrips along the frame opening and attaching a standard hardware fixture.

In many previous designs it is necessary, in order to install or remove the storm window to lower the upper window sash which is objectionable because of the presence of drapes or Venetian blinds. It is also an objection to earlier forms of storm windows that they have to be installed from the outside. The improved design disclosed herein obviates both of these objections for the entire storm Window may be installed from the interior ofr thehouse without'disturbing the upper sash.

It is also a purpose of the design shown herein to make the installation with little change or alteration of theA original window frame. it requires only the permanent addition of two small strips or rails along the vertical casing in order to provide for the installation of the storm window. These rails do not restrict the window opening and are permanently installed without materially affecting the appearance of the window.

A further advantage of the improved design is that there is no horizontal strip or hatten along the sill as in former storm windows. This prevents the entrapment of the dirt which is usually collected behind the lower horizontal batten and the housewife may clean the sill by brushing the dirt out of the window. This result is achieved in conjunction with an improved method of ventilation as the lower. storm sash nts against the sill and may be swung outwardly'ior ventilation or for removing the dirt which may have accumulated behind it.

It is a further advantage that the storm window is so arranged as to be more airand stormproof than previous windows of this general type. In the design shown herein the force of the Wind against the storm sash serves merely to seal the joints more tightly.

Another advantage is that the improved storm window is readily adapted to the numerous codes or customs which are in eiiect throughout. the United States; There. are many standards for the wood in window frames which are designated in the tradeA by the local market areas and the manuiactureoi storm sashes which may be sold over the entire country has been greatly hampered by these arbitrary codes. The storm window shownherein is particularly designed so that with a slight variation in the vertical strips or rails referred to', a,standard set of storm sashes may be readily adapted to any window frame. This is a very substantial advantage of the present invention. as it eliminates the necessity for carrying. a complete line of storm windows in order to supply a nation-wide demand.

In the drawings and specication the improved storm Window is shown as adapted' to a standard window frame for a frame house construction, but the Vinvention is equally adaptable to all standardtypes of wooden window frames. With suitable changes such as would be apparent to those skilled inthe art it may also be adaptedvto metal sash constructions. While awooden storm window and' attachments are shown as the preferred form of the invention, the improved storm window may be made of metal parts.

It will be understood that the lower storm sash or bothstorm sashes'may be replaced with screens for summer; It will also beunclerstood that other changes andrnodicationsymay be adopted without in any way sacrificing the benets of the invention and that the claims are intended to be of suiicient scope to cover mechanical variations and. even improvements in the invention as defined therein.

In the drawings which illustrate the invention in. its best known form adapted. to a standard window frame:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of the improved storm window looking from theoutside;

Eg. 2 is an elevation from the inside of the house, this view being taken with the regular window sashes removed;

Fig. 3 is a View similar to Fig. 2 but showing both window sashes raised and the upper storm sash partly'm'oved to itsv proper position;

Fig. il is a cross section on the line li-t of Fig. 2;

Fig, 5` is an enlargedfragmentary View of one of the swinging clampsonthe upper storm sash;

lg. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view cione of the swinging supports for the lower storm cash;

Fig. 7 is a vertical section on the line 1-1 of Fig. 1 showing the lower storm sash opened for ventilation;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section on the line 8-8 of Fig, 1;

Fig. 9 is a detail view at the sill, showing the lower storm sash in closed position;

Fig 10 is a modification showing a form of drip cap used with a thinner head casing; and

Fig. 11 is a view showing the manner in which the improved storm window is readily adapted to wide or narrow frame openings.

As the improved storm sash is adapted to and in certain aspects of the invention cooperates with and is in combination with the window framing, it is necessary to describe the standard window frame which has been selected for illustrating the invention.

The window frame shown herein comprises the two vertical or side jambs I, the upper or head jamb 2, and the sill 3. There are also the outer side casings 4, the head casing 5, and the inner casings 6. Between the outer casings and the jambs are located the strips which are designated in the trade as blind stops. The vertical blind stops are indicated by the numeral 8 and the upper blind stop by the numeral 9. It will be noted that these blind stops project beyond the inner edges of the casings and thereby form angular recesses at sides and at the top of the window frame. This recessed formation is utilized in the improved storm sash as will become apparent. Seated in the vertical jambs are the parting strips I and on the inside of the frame are the moldings Il which with the blind stops form the channels in which slide the upper window sash l and the lower window sash I6.

Vertical strips or rails 2U are seated in the angular recesses formed by the side casings 4 and the vertical blind stops 8. The outer exposed edge of each rail is provided with a rabbet or channel 2| to receive flanges on the storm sashes to be described. It will be noted that these channels face outwardly for reasons to be stated. These rails are usually made of a thickness to correspond with the thickness of a standard casing so that the surfaces of the rails and the casings are flush. If the casing 4 is of somewhat thinner construction, as indicated by the dotted line a in Fig. 11, the installation is not affected in any way. It often happens that the outer casings 4 vary in width and may extend, for example, to the doted line b in Fig. 11. In such case the strips 20 are made somewhat narrower than is shown in full lines so as to compensate for the reduced distance between the casings without changing the effec-` tive location of the channels 2l. It is possible therefore, with the storm window of the invention, to utilize the same storm sashes with a great variety of window frames, it being necessary merely to provide rails of appropriate widths for all types or" standard frame construction.

The storm window shown herein consists of an upper and lower sash and 26 respectively. Each storm sash has vertical side members 21, each of which is provided with a rabbeted edge or flange to fit within the channel 2| in the rail 0. It will be noted that the storm sashes overlap the rails so the line of contact between each rail 20 and its sash faces outwardly of the window and therefore the force of the Wind against the side of the storm window will tend to close the crack between the storm sash and the rail. This is a substantial improvement over previous storm sashes in which the force of the wind tends to open the cracks around the storm sashes. As shown in Fig. '7, this arrangement makes it possible to swing the lower sash outwardly for ventilation. In most storm windows the ventilation is secured by swinging the lower sash inwardly and the extent of ventilation opening is restricted by the position of the lower window sash. In the improved construction the lower storm sash may be set to the maximum ventilation opening and the actual ventilation controlled by the extent to which the lower sash i6 is raised.

The lower edge of the upper storm sash is designated as 28 and the upper edge of the lower storm sash by the numeral 29, these two members having mating rabbeted edges as shown in Fig. 8, facing so that the lower storm sash may be swung outwardly as described and the crack between the sashes is closed when the lower sash is closed. To support the lower sash 26 for this swinging movement, brackets 3| are secured to the upper corners of the lower sash and extend over the rails 20, being olset slightly at this point. Hook-shaped clips 32 are fastened on the side rails 20 and the brackets are slotted to permit the lower sash to be hung in position. It will be observed that the center or axis of the outward swinging movement of the lower sash is in substantial alignment with the lower edge of the sash 25. Any suitable type of commercial hardware such as the xture 34 may be employed to hold the lower storm` sash at the desired angle or to lock it in closed position. It will be noted that the lower 'edge of the lower storm sash ts against the sill 3' and therefore any dirt which may collect on the sill behind the lower sash may be brushed out when the lower storm sash is swung outwardly. The xture 34 should be of the type which can be readily disconnected for installing and removing the storm window.

Referring now to the upper storm sash: At spaced points along each side member 21 of the sash are two (or more) clamping levers designated by the numeral 36. Each clamp or lever 36 is pivoted on the pin 31 mounted on a plate 38 attached to the member 21. A coil spring 46 surrounds the pin 31 and forces the lever yieldingly against the side of the storm sash. On one side of the pivot lthe lever is provided with an operating handle 42 and at right angles thereto is the bearing arm 44, the end of which is preferably broadened somewhat and provided with the two ears or lugs 45 which are turned upwardly slightly. On the inside of the rails 20 :n position to be engaged by the lower pair of levers 36 when the upper sash is in its raised position, are two plates 48. These plates serve to retain the upper sash in its position in the window frame while the lower sash is being inserted and in case the lower sash is opened.

To install the storm window the operator works entirely from the inside of the house which simplies the operation and makes it possible for the housewife to complete the entire installation and removal. The lower window sash is raised and the levers 36 on the upper storm sash are turned to the inactive or release position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3. The upper storm sash is then inserted through the window opening and drawn baci; against the rails 20 with the rabbeted edges in engagement. Thelevers 36'- are thenturnedl -to active orfull-line position sothatfthelupperstorm 'Sa-sh is in sliding relation to'therails 2U. The

upper storm sash is then raised until it reaches the top`V of l the trame against-the head. casing- 5. It is-desirahlei-to provide-akeeper for the upper edge of 'the sashl Sand-tor thispurpose afclipf9 is attachedto thecasing-E and projectsover'the edge ofthe sash. When-the casing-is not asitliick as thestorm sashit is desirable to provide a-sealingV means along the lower edge of theUc-asing '5 and this is shown in Fig. lOlas arabbetedmolding or drip cap whichl extends Valong the cas-ing and overalps the upper storm sash l5'.

YAs-the sash l-5y is raised inl the manner described', the levers will yield slightly as-they pass over the plates d'8. The spring pressure exerted through the levers and onto the railsZserves'to-holdth'e upper'sto'rm sash tightly seated againstthe rai-Is. The lower storm sas-hy is now passed? through-the Window openingl and the brackets 3|- engaged` over the hooks 32, the sash swung inwardly andlthe xture 3d. properly engaged. The installation is now completed. To remove the storm window in the spring the lower sash It only may betaken out andA replaced with a, screen sash, but if both sashes are tobe'removed', the upper sash is lowered to the level of the window opening, the leversv 3G swung to release position and-'the sash removed. The levers36` make an excellent v'gri-pping means for manipulating the upperA storm sash. It will-be noted from the Vde'scriptionfof the operations that the upper Window sash need not be moved in order to install" or remove the storm window. It will also be observed that the rails 20 are'the only items which are retained' in the window frame.

While the disclosure made hereby is very full and complete, all of the details thereof' arenot essential and may be variedv orf'altered without in any way impairing the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A storm window installationco'mprising the combination ofy a: window frame having outer vertical casings and blindV stops located inwardly thereof and providing a recessed channel along the vertical edges of the frame, a vertical strip permanently securedv in each vertical channel, said strip also being provided with a recessed vchannel facing outwardly of the window, an upper storm sash the edges of which are seated in the` channels in theY strips, and movable clamps carried on thev inside of the storm sash, said clamps having portions which project beyond the sashlandhave slidingcontact with the rails when the clamps are in one position and free the rails when the clamps are in another position to permit removal of the sash.

2. A storm window installation comprising the combination of a window frame having outervertical casings and blind stops located inwardly thereof and providing a recessed channel "along the vertical edges of the frame, a verticalfstrip 'permanently secured in each verticalv channel, vsaid strip also being provided with a recessed 'channel facing outward-ly of' vthe window; an upper storm sash the edges of which are seated in th-e channels in the strips, movable clamps carried on the inside of the storm sash, said clamps having portions which project beyond the sash and have sliding contact with the rails in one position or to free the rails to permit the removal of the sash when in another position, and reisilent mountings for the clamps which serve to draw the sash against the rail.

l3; A,Jstormfwindowinstallation comprising the combinationi ofa windowirame, rails attached tothe vertical portions. of" ythe frame, 'each said rail vlei'ng' forme d withL .ai r ec esse d'- 'channeL open-'- ingJ outwardly of' the i'rfind'ow, "a -sto'rm 'sas'h, the Iedgesofiwhich havea slidifng'vt insaidchannels, andmovable clamps 'mounted onthe inside surface of the s'tormf sash, vsaid `clamps beingadapted inone position to hold'thes'ashin sliding relation to the rails and in theother-position to release the sash from the rails.

'4; -A storm windowinstallation comprising the combination of a window frame; rails attachedfto thevertical portions 'of' the frame; each said rail being" formed with'a recessed channel, a Astorm sash, the l"edges of which Ahavek a sliding` :iit in saidlchannels-and' movable clamps mounted on the storm sash, said clamps having portions adapted in one position to proiect beyond the sash and over'the rail to hold' the sash in sliding relatiorrto-the rai-Is* and'irrthe` other position to freetheirailandl releaseithe sash fromthe rails.

'5. A vstorm Lwindow installation, comprising the combination 'of awindow frame, rails attached to the verticalporti'ons of theframe, each said rail'being formed' withfa. recessed" channel opening outwardly ofthe window; 'a storm sash`the edges. ofwhichhave aslidi'ngvt in said'. channels, movable clamps, mounted' on the inside surface ofthe storm sash, said clamps lbeing adapted in one position tohold. theV sash. -'in sliding relation to the/rails 'and in the other position to release the sash fromtheraila and' resilient means associated with said" clamps to hold the sashagain'st the rail.

6'. A 'storm 'window installation comprising the combination of' a window framerail`s attached to the vertical portions of the frame each said rail being io'r'med'with a recessedchanneLa storm 'sa's h,fthe. edges of which have a sliding fit in said' channels, movable clamps mounted on the 'storm sash, said` clamps` having portions adapted in one .position to project laterally beyond the sash and hold' the sash. in 'sliding relation to the rails and in the other `position to release, the

sash from the rails, and spring means associated with said clamps to. hold the. sash against the rails.

T. In. a storm window installation the combination of a window frame comprising vertical side, casings 'and a sill' vertical railsV attached to the/side casingsgsaid' rails 'having channels rabrbete'dfin the outer edges thereo`f`,.upp.er and lower storm sashes, the, edges of the upper storm sash having'asliding, engagement with the said chan,- nels, the lower storm sash having edges which fitlin said channe1s, means, to support the lower storm sash for outward.` swinging movement on a. horizontal axis adjacent the lower edgey of, the uppersash, andoverlapping rabbeted edges along the mating, edges. -of the -upper and lower sashes.

8.. Ina vstorm window installation the combination of a, window frameA comprising vertical Vside; casingsaind; a sill, verticalLrai-ls.attached to the side caslngs, fsaid rail'shaving channels. rablbeted inthe outer vedges thereof, upper yand lower storm sashes, the edges of the upper storm sash having a sliding engagement with the said channels, the lower storm sash having edges which iit in said channels, means to support the lower storm sash for outward swinging movement on a horizontal axis adjacent the lower edge of the upper sash, and overlapping rabbeted edges along the mating edges of the upper and lower sashes,

the lower edge of the lower sash tting against the sill when the lower` sash is closed.

9. In a storm window installation the combination of a window frame comprising vertical side casings and a sill, vertical rails attached to the side casings, said rails having channels rabbeted in the outer edges thereof, upper and lower storm sashes, the edges of the upper storm sash having a sliding engagement with the said channels, movable clamps adapted to hold the upper storm sash on the rails, spring means associated with the clamps and acting to draw the upper sash in close fitting engagement with the rails, the lower storm sash having edges which t in said channels, means to support the lower storm sash for outward swinging movement on a horizontal axis, and overlapping rabbeted edges along the mating edges of the upper and lower sashes.

10. In a storm window installation the combination of a window frame comprising vertical side casings and a sill, vertical rails attached to the side casings, said rails having channels rabbeted in the outer edges thereof, upper and lower storm sashes, the edges of the upper storm sash having a sliding engagement with the said channels, movable clamps adapted to hold the upper storm sash on the rails, spring means associated with the clamps and acting to draw the upper sash in close fitting engagement with the rails, the lower storm sash having edges which fit in said channels, means to support the lower storm sash for outward swinging movement on a horizontal axis, and overlapping rabbeted edges along the mating edges of the upper and lower sashes, the lower edge of the lower sash fitting against the sill when the lower sash is closed.

11. A storm window comprising a Window frame, vertical rabbeted rails secured along the inner vertical edges of the frame, an upper storm sash having a sliding engagement with the rails, a lower storm sash mounted for swinging movement outwardly of the window frame, both said sashes overlapping the outer surface of the rabbeted portions of said rails, and means to draw both said sashes inwardly toward the rails.

12. A storm Window comprising a window frame, vertical rabbeted rails secured along the inner vertical edges of the frame, an upper storm sash having a sliding engagement with the rail, a lower storm sash mounted for swinging movement outwardly of the window frame, both said sashes overlapping the outer surface of the rab- -beted portions of said rails, and movable clamps located on the inner surface of the upper sash and movable over the inner surface of the rails to hold the upper sash in sliding relation therewith.

13. A storm window comprising a window frame, vertical rabbeted rails secured along the inner vertical edges of the frame, an upper storm sash having a sliding engagement with the rail, a lower storm sash mounted for swinging movement outwardly of the window frame, both said sashes overlapping the outer surface of the rabbeted portions of said rails, movable clamps located on the inner surface of the upper sash and movable over the inner surface of the rails to 8 hold the upper sash in sliding relation therewith, and resilient means associated with each clamp and adapted to draw the upper sash against the rail.

14. A storm window comprising the combination with a window frame of vertical rails secured to the vertical inside edges of the frame, each rail having a channel, a storm sash having vertical edges in sliding and mating nt with the rail channels, and pivoted levers on the sash, said levers having arms movable over the rails to hold the sash in sliding engagement with the rails or to release it therefrom.

15. A storm window comprising the combination with a window frame of vertical rails secured to the vertical inside edges of the frame, each rail having a channel, a storm sash having vertical edges in sliding and mating iit with the rail channels, pivoted levers on the sash, said levers having arms movable over the rails to hold the sash in sliding engagement with the rails or to release it therefrom, and a yielding mounting for said levers, said mountings serving to draw the sash in close contact with the rails.

16. A storm window comprising the combination with a window frame of vertical rals secured to the vertical inside edges of the frame, each rail having a channel, a storm sash having vertical edges in sliding and mating nt with the rail channels, pivoted levers on the sash, said levers having arms movable over the rails to hold the sash in sliding engagement with the rails or to release it therefrom, and a second storm sash to complete the storm window, said second sash having a pivotal support whereby it may be swung outwardly of the frame.

17. A storm window comprising the combination with a window frame of vertical rails secured to the vertical inside edges of the frame, each rail having a channel, a storm sash having vertical edges in sliding and mating t with the rail channels, pivoted levers on the sash, said levers having arms movable over the rails to hold the sash in sliding engagement with the rails or to release it therefrom, a spring mounting for said levers, said spring mountings serving to draw the sash in close contact with the rails, and a second storm sash to complete the storm window, said second sash having a pivotal support whereby it may be swung outwardly of the frame.

VIRGIL F. ESPENSCHIED.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

- UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Marquart Sept. 19, 1939 

